Sex attacker inappropriately touched teenager on escalator at Waterloo station

British Transport Police arrested the sex attacker at the top of an escalator at Waterloo train station (stock image) (Image: Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

A sex attacker who inappropriately touched a teenager as she reached the top of an escalator at London Waterloo underground station was confronted by an off-duty police officer who caught him in the act.

John Smith, 21, sexually assaulted his 18-year-old victim at the Tube station on April 17 this year.

Smith, from Barlavington Way, in Midhurst, West Sussex, was spotted moving close to the young woman by the off-duty officer who initially thought he was going to pickpocket her.

When he witnessed the sex attack he immediately pulled Smith to one side and confronted him.

The young woman was left "shocked and shaken" by the "frightening" assault.

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Smith was found guilty of sexually touching the young woman and was sentenced at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, November 29.

He was given a six month community order and ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work in the next year. He must also pay a victim surcharge of £85, costs of £750 and sign the sex offenders register for five years.

Investigating officer PC Daniel Thompson said: “This was a frightening experience for the young woman which understandably left her shocked and shaken.

“We’d also like to thank the off-duty officer involved, for intervening and offering immediate support to Smith’s victim at a hugely distressing time and helping us to bring Smith to justice.

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“Tackling all forms of unwanted sexual behaviour on the railway is a priority for us. No one should ever have to experience unwanted sexual behaviour while travelling on the rail network.

"We take every report seriously and provide full support to the victims and will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice. Unwanted sexual behaviour is anything which makes you feel uncomfortable, whether it involves rubbing, groping, masturbation, leering, sexual comments or indecent acts.

"We would encourage anyone who thinks they have been a victim to come forward. You can call us on 0800 40 50 40 or text us on 61016 to report an incident.”

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